Monday, January 31, 2011

Shop Update: Paintings

Hi everyone! Hopefully your Monday is going great. I woke up this morning and did some work on my computer, looked up to see the time and it told me it was Tuesday, February 1st. I completely thought that Monday (today) was skipped. Silly me forgot to hit the auto on the date before closing out of it last night. 

Anyways, I'm exciting to announce that we're adding paintings to the shop today!
They of course vary in prices, so make sure to check them out!






For more information you can click here. 

Giveaway: Shine Necklace

The other day I came across this great blog that is ridiculously cute, just like its author.
First of all, I can't get over her header.


I also am in love with her necklaces that she makes.
When I asked her to tell me a little about them, this is what she said:

The Shine Project started at the beginning of this year when I decided to chose a "word of the year" to motivate me. As you can probably guess, the word I chose was SHINE. I have always wanted to be an author, and for some reason the motivation hit me more than ever that NOW is the time. Not tomorrow, not in a couple of weeks.... It's right now. This is what The Shine Project is all about: going for your deepest goals (no excuses this time), and realizing that you have more potential than you even know! But that's not all The Shine Project is.
The first SHINE necklace I made was for an old widow, whom I had never met, but my husband knew. He wanted me to meet her because she was going through such a hard time, so I decided to make her a necklace, and maybe pass off my word to her. As I told her what the necklace stood for, she exclaimed, "I WANT TO SHINE TOO!" It was at that moment that I realized we truely shine when others catch hope from our brightness. Stand a little taller today. Go out of your way to help a stranger. And go ahead, let the world see you shine.

If you think her story was adorable like I did, then check out her necklaces!





Stunning, right?

The necklaces are 24" in total length and as you can tell, have a ton of different designs to choose from.

Ashley has decided to giveaway one of these necklaces.
I know we're all screaming "YESSSSS!!!!" right now, huh?

Well, lets get to entering, shall we?

To enter:

1. Follow Ashley's Blog. {Mandatory}

2. Let us know which is your favorite necklace.

3. Follow our blog.

4. Purchase a Shine necklace {extra 5 entries}


Please leave a comment for each thing you do.

The giveaway ends Friday and the winner will be announced on Saturday morning. 

votes needed: self logo

With my Portfolio class that I'm taking this quarter, we're getting our work ready for our portfolios which will be showcased in the Portfolio show that's put on near graduation. 
For the class I have to come up with a self logo that will appear on my portfolio website, letterheads, etc.
Right now I'm having a hard time deciding on which I like more. I'm really into the first design, but I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks.


So just leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Fashion Friday

Sponsors: Week 5

mmm button


Third Floor Design Studio came to me late one night when I was overwhelmed at the sight of my collections of design magazines, fabrics, and paint chips strewn about the apartment. It was time to organize all of my ideas and creativity into one location! This blog is a place to look, shop, be inspired, and learn.

“Design is in the details.” It shows in my work. I love every step of the process from finding that perfect paint color to straightening the last frame on the wall. Unrestrained by a single style, ready to mix and match, daring enough to blend the old with the new -- this talent is mine to share.



Photobucket

 I started my blog really as just a fun place to vent about mothering boys. I was a SAHM to 2 boys and just wanted a place to document the fun things we experienced and crazy stories I had. Then I started including some crafts, recipes, and projects that I've worked on. And it just morphed into the blog it is today. A healthy mix of craftiness and creativeness, all inspired by my 2 crazy kids! Really its just a fun place to find inspiration and creativeness...and of course support! 

mmm button

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Twitter @saratornow

Did you know.. we're on Twitter!

And I just added this hilariously ridiculous picture.. oh, 2008 :)


Click on our button to the left to follow us.

Oh yeah? You want your picture like this.
Sorry kiddo, I'm not spending another 2 hours trying to figure it out for you..
Unless you want to pay a hefty price.. :) haha.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Ellery Giveaway Winner


We have a winner for the Ellery Earrings!


Please contact me by Thursday with your color choice.

smtornow@yahoo.com

We also have Black, Purple, and Kelly Green.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Remember these cute little girls and their owls that I sent them? 


I've decided to start selling them in the shop.. well, the package and templates anyways!

 

The biggest change you'll see with these owls are that the size has just about doubled.


What comes in the package:

Instructions
Templates for everything!
{body, nose, eyes, and wings}
Felt for everything
{body, nose, eyes, and wings}
Image of final product

All you have to do is supply your choice of threads.

Looking to purchase just the templates?
No problem!
We'll send you the design through email as a PDF.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Last Day!!

Don't forget that today is the last day to order your Ellery earrings at
buy two, get one free.

Update:
New colors that are not pictured..

Black
Army Green
Purple
Kelly Green
White


You can place your orders here:
smtornow@yahoo.com

And don't forget tomorrow is that last day to enter the Ellery earring giveaway. The winner will be announced Tuesday morning!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Luxe Boulevard Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Luxe Boulevard giveaway is..


Please contact me before Monday evening with your shipping address. 

If I don't hear from you by then we'll draw another winner.





Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to receive the
buy two, get one free with the Ellery earrings!

Email me with your order!

smtornow@yahoo.com

Friday, January 21, 2011

Fashion Friday: Casual


This makes me hopeful for summer!

Sponsors - Week 4




A new week for sponsors!!
We're happy to announce some great new sponsors that we've added to our blog this week!
If you're interested in what they have to say, then check out their blog and follow them!
One is a Twitter account, can you find out who it is? 




In a nutshell I would describe myself as a hopelessly romantic, talented, perfectionist that loves almost everything and can't make up her mind. But seriously. . . .my blog is a very light hearted blog about my life adventures.  I have honestly gained a lot more from writing this blog than I ever imagined possible. It is a place where I can express my thoughts and feelings not only about random topics, but about things going on in my life with myself and my loved ones as well. It also helps me to find 'me' again and things I love to think and talk about and hobbies I've always enjoyed doing.The short amount of time that I spend on here is the short amount of time each day that I can just sit here and be for a minute . . . and I love it!A few of the things I frequently talk about is: my photography, cooking with my family and my favorite recipes, weekly challenges and struggles I’m facing, Family Fun activities I’m doing with my kids, home organization and some decorating, what I’m currently reading, and I have started a new thing this month were I have a Featured Artist of the month to help promote their work.I hope my readers enjoy spending time reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it.

mamamotherlode

I'm a mixed media artist who also picks thrift, junk and antique shops for the kinds of things artists can recycle and upscale into new, beautiful life.
I have a motherlode of this type of material to sell, so…. I guess I am Mamamotherlode.

I'm  blogging about the things I find, a bit about the history of an item, some fun vintage ads and shots, a little about upcycling and my fellow Etsy Upcycler's Team members. 







It is a little of everything. I started it to showcase my custom invitations and parties I found, but I love desiging buttons for blogs.  Then I also show my craft projects I have found by way of the net and other blogs I love.






My name is Malory.  I just started my blog last month, and I just can't get enough of the blogging lifestyle.  I love thinking of new things to share on my blog, and I love every time my dashboard says I have a new follower.  When my mom told me she regularly followed 50 blogs, I thought she was crazy.  Now I understand why.  I'm addicted to crafting, sewing, baking, and blogging.  Check out my blog to get to know me a little more.



My sister-in-law and i started a blog a few months back called Everyday Art where we share what we think is our everyday art--food, fun, crafts, photos, etc.





We are two creative Mommies (Shannon & Jill). We do our best, to make time to craft, knit, crochet,  utilize the Silhouette, sew, wood craft, decorate, cook, & clean the house, all while striving to be the best parents possible!

I live in Virginia Beach where my husband is stationed in the Navy. We have 2 little girls...a 5 year old and a 2 year old. I am a registered nurse, but I have decided to stay at home with my girls for now. We are always finding projects to do around the house and we are currently in the long process of expanding and re-doing our kitchen! I also love to sew and actually have my own business,Handmade by Kiki.  I enjoy scrapbooking, but I still haven't figured out how to make the time for it since my youngest was born. My blogging mostly includes posts about the cleaning/organizing that I do around my house, my favorite recipes, the crafts I do with my kids, etc...

Last summer, I discovered the Shaklee products and decided to become a distributor. I had no intention of becoming a distributor when I purchased the products, but I was so impressed with them that I felt like I needed to tell everyone I knew about them! The Get Clean line is a natural alternative to the toxic cleaning products that are available in stores today. I never realized how dangerous some of the cleaners were that I used very frequently. I was able toreplace a huge box of cleaning products with just 3 Shaklee products...and they work better!

Basic H2 is the product that most people are familiar with. I use it to clean almost everything in my house...my laminate wood floors, my carpet, my windows, my appliances, my laundry stains. It is incredible!! The best part is that I am not exposing myself or my girls to some of the dangerous products that I used to use. It is also very cost effective. Basic H2 is so concentrated...it only takes 2 drops in 16 ounces of water to make the window cleaner. It is cheaper to use Basic H2 than it is to make your own cleaning products! The bottle of Basic H2 has been known to last most people over 2 years!!

I also use the dishwashing products, laundry products, and the vitamins/supplements! I am getting ready to order some of the skin care products to try out and I am so excited!!

mmm button

Hermès' iconic 90-centimeter scarves originally inspired the design of Via Chic™, but it also works beautifully with any scarf of that size.  The infinitely versatile Via Chic™ gives a great new purpose to scarves; it has the ability to coordinate with any outfit by merely swapping out the scarf wrapped around it.  It's much more convenient and creative than switching purses, and in the long run, it's more cost-effective than buying multiple different purses.


The handbag was launched during a June 25 segment on the TODAY Show with Style Editor Bobbie Thomas. (You can view the segment here: http://bobbie.com/2010/06/bobbies-minute-buzz-9/)  

Craft Couture

My blog is just about everyday life, life as a first time mommy, & crafts. I also have on there about my boutique called Dominique's Boutique (dominiquesboutique.weebly.com) which is homemade pretties for little girls.

BWS tips button

I am the creater of high heels to sneakers. I just started a new blog primarily to try and help individuals with disabilities-their families, educators and friends.  It is also a blog that Moms can use a reference for litte ideas to help make learning fun for their kids.  It will have spotlights on people who are living with challeneges, behavior tips, educational ideas-crafts, learning games etc.  I will also review products and tell people why they are good for development especially children and adults with difficulties learning.


The name Itsy Bitsy Brianna came from,.... wel its pretty self explanatory:)
I am Brianna, and I am Itsy Bitsy!
However I have a LOVE for creating things in Minature size. 
I have a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art. So creativity is my ENTIRE life. I live for little moments where creativity and inspiration spark. So, that is what I love sharing with people.
My blog started as a simple new years resolution. And from then on I fell in LOVE to say the least. 
My blog is a place for me to share ideas, stories from my own person journal, inspiration, daily thoughts. It is also for me to read about other peoples lives, ideas, and inspirations as well. 
My post focus on the usual, fashion, crafting, baking, and fun!
I am a painter. So, I also share about my experience in creating new works.
I also have an etsy shop where I sale hand designed post cards http://www.etsy.com/shop/ItsyBitsyBrianna


Are you looking to advertise?
Click here.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Recipes: Homemade Girl Scout Cookies

Oh yeah, that got your attention, huh?
Well I'm not kidding!
While searching through my homepage I came across that line.
OKAYYYYY!!
I will definitely check you out.


Trefoils

Ingeredients
2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature 1/2 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
tiny pinch ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour


1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in salt, ginger, and lemon zest. Mix to combine. Slowly add in flour, and mix until well combined, but do not overmix. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. 

2. Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. Place on a cookie sheet, at least an inch apart and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until almost starting to brown on the edges. 





Tagalongs
for the cookies:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar. Beat until smooth. Add in egg and beat until well incorporated, scraping down the bowl, if necessary. Add in vanilla. Beat until smooth. With mixer on low, add in salt and flour. Mix until completely incorporated and dough is uniform. Shape dough into a cylinder with a diameter of about 2-3 inches. Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for at least 25 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice dough into 1/8 inch disks and place on baking sheets, about a half inch apart. Once you have made 30 cookies, wrap up the cookie dough, freeze, and save for another time. Bake for 8 minutes. Place on a cooling rack and let cool completely.
3. Mix together peanut butter and powdered sugar. Form into small disks and press onto cookies. Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 30 second intervals, and mix well after each interval. Coat cookies completely in chocolate and lift out with a fork. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and let set, or freeze to speed up the process.


Samoas
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup superfine sugar (or granulated)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
Dipping Caramel (recipe follows)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (available at health food stores)
12 ounces of chocolate chips

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add in egg and beat until well incorporated, scraping down the bowl, if necessary. Add in vanilla. Beat until smooth. With mixer on low, add in salt and flour. Mix until completely incorporated and dough is uniform. Pull dough together and shape into a cylinder with a diameter of about 2 1/2 inches. Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for at least 25 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice dough into 1/8 inch disks and place on baking sheets, about an inch apart. Once you have made 30 cookies, wrap up the cookie dough, freeze, and save for another time. Use a tiny circle shaped cookie cutter or a large round cake decorating tip to cut a hole in the center of each disk. Refrigerate for an additional 10 minutes. Bake for 8 minutes, or until crisp. Let cool completely.
3. Add coconut into the caramel. Warm the caramel in the microwave for about 10 seconds if necessary. Take cooled cookies and gently dip them completely in the caramel. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Freeze until set, about 5 minutes.
4. Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until fully melted. Place the caramel coated cookies in the chocolate. Use a fork to pull them out of the chocolate and place them on a parchment line cookie sheet. Use the chocolate still on the fork to drizzle stripes over the top of the cookies. Refrigerate until set.
Dipping Caramel
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar)
4 tablespoons corn syrup
6 tablespoons water
pinch of salt
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons cream (DO NOT use plain whipping cream)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan with high sides, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Whisk until combined, and set over medium-low heat. Swirl the pan every now and then to help distribute the heat. Use can use a pastry brush dipped in water to brush the sugar crystals down the sides of the saucepan. When the sugar dissolves completely, raise the heat to medium. When it comes to a boil, watch very carefully for the bubbles to become more viscous (this means that the water has evaporated and that it is ready to go through the candy stages). As it is bubbling away, you want it to turn a deep amber color. When it does, remove the heat and, working quickly, use the spoon to scoop up a small amount of the candy and drop it into the small glass of water. If the blob turns hard like lollipop, then it is ready. If the blob is still soft, put the pan back on the heat. Keep testing until the candy is hard. Remove from heat.
2. Whisk in butter, 6 tablespoons of cream, and vanilla (Careful here, as the mixture should bubble violently for about 10 seconds). If the caramel isn’t smooth right away, return the pan to low heat and whisk until smooth.



Thin Mint Cookies
Cocoa Wafer Cookies
3 T. butter
1 egg white
1/4 c. brown sugar
pinch of Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1/2 c. flour (plus 1/4 c.)
2 drops pure peppermint oil
Combine all ingredients together. Add flour as needed, until dough is roll-able and not sticky at all. Roll verrrry thin. Cut into desired shapes. Bake at 325 for 4-7 minutes, or until cookies have firmed and browned slightly around edges. Remove from oven and cool.
*
Peppermint Buttercream Layer
2 c. powdered sugar
4 T. melted butter
2-3 drops pure peppermint oil
1/2 tsp. heavy whipping cream
Mix together until it becomes thick and easy to roll with a rolling pin. Roll until about 1/4″ thick. Cut into desired shape. Place atop cooled cookies. Place cookies into melted chocolate CANDIQUIK, spoon chocolate atop until fully covered. Allow to dry on a piece of parchment paper. Makes about 30 cookies



So you're wondering what the Ellery earrings look like on?

Here's a peek!



Oh yeah, great hair day.
Like how I snuck in the hair shot? 


Shop Update: Ellery Earrings, Giveaway, and a Special!

On Tuesday we added the Ellery earrings to the shop.
A lot of you really loved them, so we decided to add them in a ton of different colors.



They make a great gift for Valentines Day..
to you, a friend, your daughter, your mother.. anyone really! 

With the addition of new colors, we're also doing a special on these earrings,
buy two and get the third pair free.
This special will end on Sunday night.

Onto the giveaway!

Surprise, surprise.. We're giving away a pair of the Ellery earrings!
The winner will be able to choose their color from the choices above.

How to enter?

1. Follow the blog
2. Tell us what your favorite item from the shop is
3. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
4. Purchase a pair of the Ellery earrings {5 additional entries}


Leave a comment for each thing you do!

The giveaway ends on Monday and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Also don't forget to enter the our other giveaway that ends tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Free Printable: Valentines Day Cards

These print on 8 1/2" x 11"paper, cut along the center line to make two cards, then fold in half on the other line.

Click image for actual size
Save image to computer
Print










Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Valentines Day Gifts and Shop Update

So you're looking for some cute earrings for your Valenines Day date?
We've got you covered!


These red earrings are being added to the shop right now!

You can purchase them here. 

Monday, January 17, 2011

50% off - last day!!

Excludes necklaces!

Send orders here:

smtornow@yahoo.com

Payments run through Paypal.

For single items add $2 for shipping.
If there's more than one item, depending on size, shipping may be more than $2.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

50% off the shop!

Excludes necklaces!

Send orders here:

smtornow@yahoo.com

Payments run through Paypal.

For single items add $2 for shipping.
If there's more than one item, depending on size, shipping may be more than $2.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

At Home with the O DISCOUNT!!

Yes that's right!
Overstock.com recently contacted me about offering everyone of you a discount.
Isn't this exciting?!
I've ordered things from Overstock.com before and have been very pleased with their service. 
The first time I ordered the Twilight book set from them. When the outside box, that holds the books together when they are on the bookshelf, came damaged and ripped on the ends, I contacted them to see about it being replaced. When this wasn't an option, I was given a $5 credit to their shop.
My other purchase through them, with my $5 credit, was the Style book by Lauren Conrad.
The thing that upsets me is that their books, movies, and electronics are not included in this 10% off.
But the thing that makes me really happy is that this code NEVER expires, although you can only use it with one email address. 

Here's some things that I would love to use this 10% on:







Until today, I just found out they also sell handmade jewelry as well!



Amazing, right?

Okay Miss Impatient!
Here's your codes:

10% off: 

121745

Free Shipping for Electronics only:

202234

And only $2.95 for shipping!


Remember, the 10% off is good for everything EXCEPT books, movies, and electronics!

Even if you're not looking to shop at Overstock.com right now, write down the codes anyways because they never expire!

Yeah, you can thank me later!

All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.